Gov. Reynolds announces disaster proclamation for highly pathogenic avian influenza in Kossuth County
(Des Moines) Governor Kim Reynolds authorized a disaster proclamation for Kossuth County effective immediately through February 21, 2026. The USDA has confirmed a positive case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a mixed species flock of game bird pheasants and backyard chickens. This proclamation allows state resources from Iowa Homeland Security, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, and other agencies to assist with tracking and monitoring, rapid detection, containment, disposal, and disinfection. The proclamation also waives regulatory provisions related to commercial vehicles responding to affected sites. The recent HPAI detections in birds do not present an immediate public health concern, and it remains safe to eat poultry products. If producers suspect signs of HPAI in their flocks, they should contact their veterinarian immediately.
Iowa Senate To Consider License Verification Bill
(Des Moines, IA) — A state Senate bill would require use of an immigration database to verify driver’s license renewals. The bill was advanced out of the Iowa Senate Transportation subcommittee on Wednesday and was endorsed by Governor Kim Reynolds. Reynolds signed an executive order in October mandating the use of the SAVE system to confirm employment eligibility for state workers and asked the legislature to codify the order and expand it to driver’s license renewals. Opponents say the bill will do nothing to improve road safety or prevent voter fraud, adding it already takes a long time to acquire a driver’s license.
Lawmakers Advance Bill Allowing Sale Of Ivermectin
(Des Moines, IA) — A controversial health bill is advancing that would allow pharmacists to sell Ivermectin and Hydroxychloroquine. The bill advanced to the Iowa House on Thursday afternoon and would allow the controversial COVID-19 medications to be sold over the counter. The drugs are currently only available with a doctor’s prescription. The subcommittee vote came down to Republican pharmacist Brett Barker who said he had some concerns about the language but would like to see it debated on the House floor. The bill still needs to pass through committee before advancing to the two legislative chambers.
Sioux City Teenager Pleads Not Guilty To Murder
(Sioux City, IA) — A 17-year-old is pleading not guilty to first-degree murder charges. JK Athree entered his plea on Wednesday. His defense team has filed a request to move his case to juvenile court, but state law excludes first-degree murder charges in the juvenile court system. Athree is accused of killing a man who was found with 16 stab wounds in a parked car outside Athree’s house. Family members called 911 after Athree asked them to help him “hide things” before he became aggressive and tried to run away.
House Democrats Introduce Healthy Water Act
(Des Moines, IA) — Democrats in the state House are introducing a plan to solve Iowa’s water issues. The Healthy Water Act is a five-policy bill to ensure the safety of the state’s rivers and lakes that have some of the highest nitrate levels in the country. The bill would provide 600-thousand dollars to refund a water monitoring program that is scheduled to go offline in July. The 10-year program lost funding during the 2023 legislative session. They are also hoping to triple the funding for the state’s Nutrient Reduction Strategy that provides farmers with a tax credit for those who follow the program’s nutrient management plan.
